Legislation creates professional license for autism therapists

Similar to other medical professions, autism therapists will be officially licensed in Michigan under legislation signed Tuesday by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. "The number of applied behavioral analysts in Michigan has grown tremendously since we implemented autism insurance reform in 2012," Calley said. "There is still a need for additional ABA therapists and officially licensing the profession will help continue to grow this field, while making it easier for these health care specialists to receive reimbursement." Senate Bills 1015 and 1016, sponsored by state Sens. Rebekah Warren and Margaret O'Brien, respectively, create an occupational license for behavioral analysts and assistant behavioral analysts in Michigan to ensure reimbursement can properly occur for services. The bills also create a Board of Behavioral Analysts to oversee the profession. The bills are now Public Acts 403 and 404 of 2016. Calley also signed SB 833, sponsored by state Sen. Geoff Hansen, stipulates that state funds allocated for firefighter training be paid for by fireworks safety fees. The bill is now PA 405. Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor to sign legislation when the governor is out of state. For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov. Published: Thu, Jan 05, 2017